Dougherty County Lawyers

I served as a Felony Prosecutor, handling thousands of cases, including DUIs, Domestic violence, Drug offenses, Murder, and Sex crimes. My experience on the other side of the courtroom gives me invaluable insight into how prosecutors build cases—and how to dismantle them. In addition to general criminal defense, for the last 10 years, I have become dedicated and highly skilled in defending individuals accused of sex crimes, including internet sting operations, rape, child molestation, and sexual exploitation offenses. I have advanced expertise in cell phone forensics and digital evidence analysis, as well as using cell phone extraction applications, IP tracking,...

Originally from Butte, MT, Shawn was raised and has spent most of his life in Augusta, GA. After graduating from Lakeside High School in Columbia County in 1998, Shawn went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Augusta State University in 2003, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration in 2007. Shawn's dedication to education led him to Georgia State University College of Law, where he graduated in 2013. With a rich background as a criminal investigator, Shawn brings a meticulous and strategic approach to his practice as a Wrongful Death and Personal Injury trial lawyer. Shawn is committed to achieving...

As a partner in one of the largest law firms in North Georgia, Rustin defended insurance companies and large businesses before co-founding Smith Hulsey. He has handled cases in both federal and state courts, appearing in U.S. District Courts and counties throughout Georgia. He has argued before the Supreme Court of Georgia, and litigated appeals in the Georgia Court of Appeals and U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit. Rustin graduate magna cum laude from the University of Georgia before attending Emory University School of Law, where he was selected for the Dean’s List, received the Dean’s Award, and was recommended...

Michael H. Smith grew up in Florence, South Carolina and graduated from Erskine College in 1993 with a BA in history. He then attended the University of Georgia School of Law, and graduated in 1996 with a law degree.

He spent the 1st year of his legal career in Augusta, Georgia and then, enticed by the thought of spending time at the beach, moved to Savannah in 1997. After practicing with different firms over the years, Mike founded Smith Barid, LLC with his partner, Richard Barid, in November 2006 to focus on estate planning, elder law and special needs planning....

Melissa L. Bowman is a Partner with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC and works primarily out of the firm's Johns Creek office. Melissa was admitted to the Georgia Bar in 2016 and has focused solely on family law. She strives to provide exceptional counsel and support to clients throughout Atlanta and surrounding areas who are going through a divorce or have some other serious legal issue affecting their families. Melissa understands that the divorce process is challenging and emotional, and is passionate about helping her clients move through the process with confidence and understanding. Melissa delivers the highest level of representation possible...

I graduated summa cum laude from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice before relocating to Norman, Oklahoma to attend school at the University of Oklahoma College of Law. I began my legal career as a volunteer at the Oklahoma County District Attorney's Office in 2010, and in 2011, I became licensed as an intern and immediately practiced in the courtroom. I received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and became licensed to practice law in the State of Oklahoma in 2012. After law school, I continued with the DA's Office...

Alexa Dato is an associate attorney with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Spanish and Political Science as well as a master's degree in Public Administration. At Alabama, Alexa gave tours of the university as a member of Capstone Men & Women, and she served as Personnel Chair of Chi Omega sorority. Following her family's move from Memphis, TN to Alpharetta, GA, Alexa attended law school at the University of Georgia. Alexa became interested in working with families after spending three semesters with UGA Law's Family...

Ms. Johnson is originally from Jacksonville, Florida. She earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of North Florida in 2012, and a law degree from Howard University School of Law in 2017. During her time in law school, Ms. Johnson was the Co-Captain and Business Manager of the Charles Hamilton Houston National Moot Court Team, President of the Education Law Society, and the Founder and Coach of a debate team at Francis Scott Key Middle School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Since beginning her legal career, Ms. Johnson has litigated education, child welfare, and family law cases....

Jason Karasik is a Partner with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. Jason obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia in 2008. After graduating from the University of Georgia, he began work as a policy fellow for Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. Jason worked with the House Education Committee and the Senate Education and Youth Committee while doing education policy research. Additionally, he worked closely with the Governor's Policy Director in providing solutions for Georgia's education issues. Jason obtained his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. While in law school, he received the Dean's Scholarship and was an Executive...

I am Ryan R. Shafer, a partner at Meriwether & Tharp, LLC. Before joining this firm, I gained considerable experience in family law litigation as an associate attorney at Ferguson Law Firm, P.C. in Jonesboro, Georgia. My litigation experience spans across divorce, modification, child support, legitimation, and contempt cases in various counties including Fulton, Clayton, Henry, Fayette, and Spalding. I was born and raised in Florence, New Jersey. In 2008, I graduated from La Salle University with a degree in Mathematics and later earned my law degree from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School in 2013. During my first year of law...

Charlotte R. Ruble is a Partner with Meriwether & Tharp, LLC and practices family law. Mrs. Ruble has gained considerable experience litigating family law cases since her admittance to the Georgia Bar in 2011. She began practicing law under the Chair of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia. Mrs. Ruble has legal and community ties to Cherokee and Forsyth County Georgia. She has litigated divorce, contempt, family violence, modification, and adoption cases in Forsyth, Hall, and surrounding Northeastern counties of Georgia. Mrs. Ruble earned her Juris Doctorate and a Certificate in Advanced Legal Writing from Mercer University...

Attorney Jennifer Gore-Cuthbert is the founder and owner of The Gore Law Firm, a personal injury firm based in Alpharetta, Georgia. The Gore Law Firm represents victims of vehicle collisions, victims hit by drunk drivers, those injured in a slip-and-fall, and wrongful death cases. Jennifer is committed to building a close working relationship with her clients to provide quality, compassionate, and efficient legal representation.

As someone who has personally experienced the challenges of being part of the sandwich generation, caring for both my children and aging parents, I understand the difficulties you face while juggling family responsibilities and professional demands. I am Steve Worrall, an attorney based in Marietta, Georgia, practicing at Georgia Estate Plan: Worrall Law LLC. My practice covers all areas of estate planning, including wills, trusts, probate, special needs planning, and guardianship, and I serve clients throughout the state. I am a member of WealthCounsel, the Cobb County Bar Association Probate Estate Planning & Elder Law Section, and the State Bar of...

Kim T. Stephens ranks as one of the most accomplished trial lawyers and attorneys in the state of Georgia. With more than twenty-five years of experience in litigation, he has won numerous awards for litigation and has successfully resolved high profile cases, defending professional and college athletes, doctors, police officers, and teachers charged with crimes ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony crimes. Kim has extensive experience in the areas of criminal law, personal injury, business and contract litigation, and probate law. He practices in all courts including federal courts and appellate courts, representing individuals charged with misdemeanor crimes, including DUI;...

Alfred “Al” Edward Fargione, III
Al Fargione is an experienced civil and criminal litigator, having represented clients in high stakes civil and criminal litigation in State, Superior, and Federal Courts across Georgia. Mr. Fargione’s experience includes successfully proving an Uber driver’s innocence after the said driver was accused of sexually assaulting one of his fares and recovering insurance policy limits for those injured in automobile accidents.

Mr. Fargione received his Bachelor’s Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY; his J.D. from New England Law | Boston, where he was the Symposium Editor on the New England Law Review; and his LL.M....

Zainab Brown is a member of the Georgia Bar Association, American Bar Association, Georgia Association of Black Woman Attorneys, and Georgia Association of Woman Lawyers. She is an accredited Veterans Claims Attorney, JD Juris Doctor, MS Cybersecurity, BA Criminology, PMI certified Project Manager, Georgia Arbitrator, Neutral/Mediator, Information Technology Professional, Georgia real estate salesperson, and a retired U.S. Navy Legalman Chief Petty Officer. Probate Estates: Attorney Zainab Major Brown assists families with property ownership when someone dies. Major Brown Law provides legal representation while navigating the probate processes for a variety of situations. These issues include: A) Wills...

I am a litigation partner at Bovis, Kyle, Burch & Medlin representing employers and insurers in defending workers' compensation claims. I handle claims at all stages in the claim, including at inception, through litigation, hearings, and appeals, mediations, and settlement. I also specialize in subrogation recovery on behalf of my clients, protecting their interests by asserting liens in third-party fault scenarios. I have also gained experience in handling Occupational Accident claims and contingent liability scenarios for employers who choose to obtain occupational accident insurance for their employees. I graduated from the University of Georgia in 2008 with a Bachelor of...

Attorney Tamika M. Johnson was born in Connecticut, however, relocated to Georgia during high school where she attended and graduated from Tucker High School. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelors Degree and Southern University Law Center in Louisiana with a Juris Doctorate, however, relocated back to and opened her law firm in Georgia in 2006. Attorney Johnson has a substantial background in real estate closings and personal injury/auto accidents, however, her professioal passion is in "Legacy Creation" through Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts, Healthcare Directives, Power of Attorneys and Property Transfer. Attorney Johnson is married with...

Administrative Trial Attorney, John A. Snyder focuses his practice on Workers Compensation in Georgia. He has obtained maximum benefit amounts and maximum money damages for his clients. Mr. Snyder earned his Juris Doctorate Degree, with magna cum laude honors, from Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School where he was also Law Review. He graduated with honors from New Hampshire’s Franklin Pierce University with Bachelors of Science Degrees in Accounting and Business Management. Mr. Snyder is admitted to practice law throughout Georgia by the State Bar of Georgia. He is admitted to practice in federal court through the United...

We are NeboLaw, a business and real estate law firm and advisory center focused on addressing the needs of entrepreneurs. We help our clients successfully buy, sell and operate small businesses. Our approach intertwines the law with good business sense. We offer practical legal advice with an eye on identifying solutions that are in your long-term best interests. At NeboLaw, we help entrepreneurs bring their vision to fruition. We then help them grow their business and, ultimately, protect what they’ve built.

I believe in right and wrong. I believe in gray areas, but would argue that what is right and what feels right are less often the difficult decisions that many others think they are. I believe that my particular disclipline is different from that of others in that my cases are not simply my work. My cases are all very important to my clients, and they are important to me. I cannot leave my work at the door of my office when I eventually leave at night. In almost every case, my clients' freedom is...

Charles McAleer founded The McAleer Law Firm, P.C., in 2003, to devote 100% of his practice to representing plaintiffs in cases involving personal injury, workers’ compensation, and contract litigation. He has never represented an insurance company. Each year, McAleer recovers millions of dollars for his clients and brings several cases to trial every year with outstanding results.

The type of cases McAleer tries before a jury include, among others, cases involving wrongful death, catastrophic injury and also other serious injury cases. When an insurer is unreasonable in its negotiations with McAleer Law, the firm does not hesitate to file suit because...

Quinton G. Washington, Esq., is one of the founding partners of Washington Legal Group. Quinton has represented clients in more than 30 counties throughout Georgia, and he’s proud to continue helping people throughout The Peach State. Additionally, his experience as a former judge and City Attorney for both Fort Valley and Stockbridge allows him to integrate many areas of legal expertise to benefit all individual, municipal, and business clients. Quinton has also been acknowledged for his professional achievement and peer recognition as a long-standing 2018–2023 Atlanta Super Lawyer. He works in a wide variety of legal fields, including divorce, child support...

Mr. Rhine is committed to fighting for the rights of Georgia residents who have been injured due to the negligence of others. Prior to founding his firm, he practiced law at a large Atlanta-based insurance defense law firm. This role allowed him to gain insight into the strategies used by insurance companies when defending personal injury claims, which he now uses to the advantage of his injury clients. Originally Mr. Rhine grew up in Snellville, GA, where he graduated from Shiloh High School. In 2008, Mr. Rhine graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, with bachelor’s degrees in political science...

Bobby Devadoss formerly worked as an attorney for the Federal Labor Relations Authority and later took a position with the Federal Aviation Administration before opening his own law firm.

With offices in Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, Mr. Devadoss represents federal employees nationwide in disciplinary proceedings ( MSPB), civil rights advocacy ( EEOC) and work injury claims ( OWCP). He also counsels labor unions and governmental agencies.

Narissa Juitt-Jackson has a solid reputation as an experienced Divorce & Family Law Attorney who effectively advances the interests of every client. She is committed to the success of every case she takes on. She welcomes the opportunity to meet with you and answer any questions regarding your legal situation. ?Narissa is a passionate and driven lawyer who represents a variety of clients in the Atlanta area. Knowledgeable and detail-oriented, Narissa Juitt-Jackson consistently delivers results in the best interests of her clients. Narissa is a great resource to turn to, especially if you are currently dealing with high-stakes family law matters....

Walter Jospin’s practice focuses on SEC and other securities regulatory enforcement matters, corporate governance, internal investigations, and SEC Whistleblower Claims.

Mr. Jospin is the former Director of the Atlanta Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he served from February 2015 until January 2018. As Regional Director, he led over 110 lawyers, accountants, and compliance examiners in the office’s Enforcement and Examination programs, which cover Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. During his three-year tenure, Mr. Jospin supervised many enforcement actions relating to financial and accounting fraud, disclosure failures, audit failures, offering frauds, Ponzi schemes, violations...

I specialize in criminal defense. I have never practiced any other type of law and, honestly, I don’t think I ever will. My mom always tells me that ever since I was young, I hated seeing anyone being picked on and I would immediately jump to their defense. My disdain for bullies has turned into my passion for protecting people’s rights and fighting for justice. Regardless of guilt or innocence, in my opinion, each person deserves to be treated with decency and respect. Nothing is more upsetting to me than watching prosecutors take advantage of vulnerable people. Which is why...

I am a pure criminal defense attorney and I take great pride in that fact. Even before law school, my goal was to become one of the best criminal defense attorneys of my time. I realized that goal was achievable the very first time I stepped into a courtroom because advocating for my client gave me a true sense of purpose. Since then, my passion for helping people and defending them against the government continues to grow every day. To me, standing up for a person, who is being prosecuted by the government, is the most honorable act. I truly...

My focus is to ensure the outcome my clients have been searching for. I specialize in Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 and a fresh start, because we all deserve that. I have been practicing Bankruptcy Law since 1996. My staff and I are here to ensure 100% satisfaction.

Christina Campbell is an experienced adoption attorney, and a Fellow of the Georgia Council of Adoption Lawyers, Inc. She has finalized numerous adoptions throughout Georgia. Her adoption practice includes, Adult, Agency, Foster Care, Interstate, Third Party, Relative and Stepparent Adoptions. In addition, The Campbell Law Practice, LLC provides representation to birth mothers who are considering or have already made the decision of adoption. Christina Campbell understands that considering adoption can be very emotional and challenging. She recommends that a birth mother contact an attorney that specializes in adoption before finalizing this decision.

Christina Campbell is the Principal...

In addition to practicing law since 1980, and having a perfect 10 excellent ranking on AVVO, Glen Ashman has been a municipal judge since 1988. The combination of judicial and legal experience has trained Glen well to help his clients. Glen has since 2002 been teaching Georgia judges at seminars and by writing the annual Municipal Court Benchbook, used by Judges across Georgia. Glen offers compassionate experienced help at very reasonable fees and personal service you do not get in big firms. Glen is an honors graduate of Mercer Law School.

Anson H. Asbury, J.D., LL.M., is the Managing Shareholder of Asbury Law Firm, Tax Counsel. Anson represents clients in civil and criminal tax litigation and federal tax controversies. Anson is a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel and a Barrister in the J. Edgar Murdock American Inn of Court at the United States Tax Court. He is recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Georgia Super Lawyers, and Georgia’s Legal Elite for his expertise in tax litigation. Anson is the co-host of Tax Talk with Art and Anson – a GSPCA video CPE series. He has written on...

Attorney M. Qader A. Baig has more than 30 years of experience in the courtroom and is an asset to any case. He is intimately familiar with the local legal systems and has worked as both a prosecutor and a defense lawyer. This background, representing all sides in past legal battles, gives him a comprehensive perspective, familiarity, and comfort with all types of cases. Some lawyers are only interested in billable hours; others are interested in Justice. Mr. Baig has dedicated his career to the virtues enshrined in the State seal of Georgia: "Wisdom, Justice and Moderation." We do...

Legal Accomplishments Gary Martin Hays' legal accomplishments span more than 35 years of practice, and he frequently lectures to other attorneys on the best way to handle personal injury and workers' compensation claims. Other accomplishments include: Membership in the prestigious Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a society limited to those attorneys who have received a verdict or settlement of at least $2 million. He is a multi-year recipient of the Super Lawyer’s designation, as voted on by other lawyers in Georgia. The American Trial Lawyers' Association named him one of the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Georgia since 2007. Lawdragon included him as...

Tameka A. West, Esq. graduated summa cum laude from Clark Atlanta University with a B.A. in Political Science and received her law degree from the University of Iowa, College of Law. Ms. West has practiced law since 2000 with over seventeen (17) years of experience in labor and employment law. Ms. West is the President/CEO of The West Legal Group, P.C., a boutique law firm representing clients against private employers, corporations, governmental agencies, and public sector in all types of employment related actions, including discrimination, hostile work environment, sexual harassment, retaliation, breach of contract, labor disputes, grievances, and appeals...

I am proud to be a personal injury lawyer. Others laugh at lawyers as greedy people or "ambulance chasers." But I am proud to represent my clients and my hometown. My firm believes in leading our clients though difficult times. We also believe in leading the community. That is why we all dedicate our time and donate our money to so many local causes. I have been Chairman of the Newton County Boys and Girls Club when we fought to open the doors and change the lives of kids in our town. I have also been President of the Young...

At 770GOODLAW, we are a personal injury law firm committed to offering personalized legal guidance to individuals who've endured harm due to someone else's negligence. Our accomplished team of personal injury attorneys are passionate champions, steadfastly working to secure the highest feasible compensation for our clients. With a strong emphasis on prioritizing our clients, we are resolute in delivering justice to those who've suffered at the hands of others' negligence.

I help Atlanta injury victims fight insurance companies in cases related to car accidents, truck accidents, dog bites and attacks, wrongful death, shootings, and other personal injury claims. I am licensed in the State of Georgia. Beyond my legal work, I am a strong advocate for the Atlanta community. I actively fundraise for Georgia’s Legal Food Frenzy, earning the title of Champion five times while supporting the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Georgia Food Bank Association. I also enjoy volunteering with Moot Court and Georgia High School Mock Trial, helping future litigators develop their skills. I am committed to...

When facing a divorce, child custody dispute or other family issues, you need an experienced firm that will be on your side. We will listen to you and help protect what is most important to you. Whether its custody of your children, getting enough alimony or palimony, keeping your house, or keeping your business, we can help you understand your rights and help you get what you want and deserve. My clients' testimonials speak wonders: "Uber 'Super' Lawyer"; "Top Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia!"; "She Fiercely protects and promotes her clients' best interest;" "Attorney Fodor has unprecedented legal ability!"...